How to Change the Name on a Pennsylvania Car Registration

A name change on car registration documents in Pennsylvania is something that must be addressed in a timely manner. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) requires drivers to file notice of changing name on car registration documents as soon as drivers are able to submit the required details. The procedure to change the name on a motor vehicle registration often necessitates that the driver in question submit the name change on other documents, such as a drivers license, a permit or a Pennsylvania ID card, as well as the car title. Name changes on car registration cards will normally require that you provide additional documents to complete name change car registration request. Review further information on how to change name on registration documents in Pennsylvania in the sections below.

Name Change on Your Social Security Card in Pennsylvania

When it comes to how to change name on car registration documents, you will require name changes on many of your vital documents. A name change on car registration cards mandates you to first have your name changed on your Social Security card. If you change your name due to divorce, marriage, court order or any other reason, you must notify the Social Security Administration. Note that there is no online option for changing your name with the Social Security Administration.

In order to change names on car registration documents, changing your name on your Social Security card carries some provisional requirements. You will need proof of your identity, as well as proof of citizenship or residency status. These can include passports, birth certificates, green cards, etc. You will need to first fill out the designated application. Once you fill out the application completely, you can bring all your documentation needed to your local Social Security office.

Change Name on Car Registration Options in Pennsylvania

“How do I change my name on my car registration?” is a question that Pennsylvania drivers may ask after getting married or if they need to make a name change on car registration documents for a different reason. The are limited to making the requests to change name on car registration documents in person or by mail. In order to change names on car registration documents, you must complete the Application for Correction or Change of Name. Once filled out, the name change on car registration process requires you send it to the mailing address on the form. To complete the changing name on car registration process in person, you may bring all of the required documents and items to your local PennDOT office.

Application Information for Car Registration Name Change in Pennsylvania

Those who need a name change on car registration documents for a marriage or a divorce have to complete Side A of the Application for Correction or Change of Name (Form MV-41A) for a new registration card.

To fulfill a name change on car registration documents in the event of a separation, court order or common law name change, the first step is completing Side B of the Application for Correction or Change of Name. The next step for changing names on auto registration documents is to furnish a copy of the document showing the intent to start using a previous surname in the event of a legal separation from a spouse. Using this for changing names on car registration cards requires the inclusion of the docket number and date stamp of the divorce proceedings from the court. If your name change on car registration documents is due to a court order, a certified copy of the court order must be submitted to the Pennsylvania DMV.

Other documents that can be used to provide additional proof for a name change on car registration cards include your:

Another item needed for name changes on car registration documents include your original title. In the event you do not have your original title, you must complete the Application for a Duplicate Certificate of Title by Owner if you are the owner. A name change on auto registrations for a non-owner (i.e. the car has a lienholder) requires an Application for Duplicate Title or to Record, Renew, or Remove a Lien, or to Correct Lien Information by Lienholder. Note that name change on car registration requests are accompanied by a fee in Pennsylvania.